John Wright ardently performing his job of scouting future IPL stars

IPL teams can retain up to five players each in the 2018 edition.

Former New Zealand batsman John Wright, who has coached the high profile Indian cricket team in early 2000, is currently involved with the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians and is ardently performing his job of recognizing the future IPL stars. The veteran coach was present there at the VCA Stadium, Nagpur during the recently held Ranji quarterfinal clash between Karnataka and Mumbai.

On being asked whether it is a right strategy to scout talent for a T20 event from a first-class game, Wright clarified Ranji Trophy isn’t the only tournament from where it has been done.

“There are many other tournaments through which this is done. However, it is easier to judge a bowler than a batsman in a four-day game,” Wright was quoted by The New Indian Express as saying.

“I think the first Ranji game I watched this season was the one between Delhi and Maharashtra. We have a team of people doing similar stuff. Some of us have covered the tournament from the start,” he added.

The 63-year-old coach also made it clear that one needs to have a very good knowledge of player’ qualities as he still regrets losing the services of Akshar Patel for Mumbai Indians. The left-arm spinner moved to Kings XI Punjab in 2014 and instantly tasted success.

“We also focus on the U-19 and other tournaments. The coming auctions will be big. And auctions are strange things. You have to have good knowledge of players’ qualities. Otherwise, we might lose a good player, like Axar Patel,” said Wright.

Wright, who has been mentoring the Mumbai boys for last two seasons, said that players in the contention are usually called to camps.

“We analyse them by making them play T20 matches. In the end head coach Mahela Jayawardene joins to make a decision,” concluded the former Kiwi cricketer.